Music > Live Reviews

Sofar Sounds gig 2

27/08/16

Recently, there’s been a welcome addition to Norwich’s music scene: Sofar Sounds. The movement hosts intimate gigs across the globe in unusual spaces such as living rooms and offices. The goal? To bring people closer to music, or in the founders’ own words “bring the magic back to live music”.

For their second Norwich event, I found myself gingerly stepping through an open front door, placing my brogues on a heap of shoes and trying my best to feel at home in a living room full of strangers.

Discomfort became less of an issue when the music started. Four piece band Claws were first on the bill, making a stage out of what was essentially a balcony. Claws are so well suited to live performance - their 90’s punk pop sounds best unfiltered. Singer Josie’s sneering vocals were gloriously Riot Grrl, underpinned by an aptly frenetic rhythm section. Unfortunately, Claws were cut short - although warned, neighbours weren’t happy with just how loud the performance was.

We funnelled into the living room while negotiations took place. Sofas, drinks and good company meant the wait wasn’t bad at all. Thankfully the gig wasn’t over, and second band Jaztec were allowed to play, provided they weren’t too loud. To begin with, Jaztec’s performance suffered slightly. Anyone who’s ever played a wind instrument knows how difficult it is to play quietly. However, the two-piece found soon their flow, adjusting into an ambient electro-jazz sound. With just a short set Jaztec won the room over, mixing in funk and hip hop to maintain the energy.

Minimal two-piece Sink Ya Teeth were due to play the last slot, but sadly weren’t able to – interruptions earlier on in the night meant that time had run out. In lieu of a review, why not make your own mind up about them? Their next gig is at the Norwich Sound and Vision launch. Go and check out their set. (I’ve seen them before and can promise something magical.)

Despite Sink Ya Teeth’s absence and Claws’ short set, Sofar Sounds’ second Norwich gig was still a great experience. As the team gain more experience, I’m sure hiccups will smooth out, but for now I’m more than happy with intimate, unpredictable gigs that cheerlead local acts in the comfort of a strangers home.